Consulting Director, Strategic Communications and Stakeholder Engagement

If you’re a seasoned communications leader ready to shape how major organizations navigate public perception, build trust, and earn their social license to operate—you’ll feel at home at ERM.

Why This Role Matters

As a Consulting Director, Strategic Communications and Stakeholder Engagement, you’ll join a fast‑moving, high‑impact team of strategic communications and stakeholder engagement experts who partner with clients across the environmental consulting industry. Your work will directly influence major capital projects, ESG strategy, stakeholder relationships, and the future of responsible development.

Based in our Columbus, OH office, you’ll lead complex, high‑visibility projects, guide clients through challenging communications landscapes, and help drive ERM’s continued growth.

What Your Impact Is

• Leading multifaceted communications and engagement programs that support clients across diverse industries and geographies.

• Serving as a strategic advisor, translating complex issues into clear, actionable communications strategies.

• Driving digital innovation and elevating ERM’s approach to social risk, community impact, and stakeholder engagement.

• Strengthening client relationships, expanding ERM’s market presence, and contributing to business development.

• Shaping internal and external marketing initiatives that amplify ERM’s brand and influence.

• Managing, mentoring, and empowering teams to deliver exceptional results.

What You’ll Bring

Required

• BA/BS in communications, public affairs, public relations, community relations, journalism, or related field.

• 8+ years of relevant experience (10+ preferred) in public affairs, consulting, or similar—energy sector experience a plus.

• Proven ability to facilitate in‑person and virtual meetings with diverse audiences.

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.

• Demonstrated experience planning and implementing public consultation programs and producing high‑quality informational materials.

• Strong presentation skills with the ability to distill complex topics into clear, persuasive messages.

• Excellent organizational abilities with a track record of meeting deadlines in fast‑moving environments.

• Ability to work independently, adapt to shifting priorities, and manage multiple tasks simultaneously.

• Willingness to work in a hybrid office/home model and travel 4–6 weeks per year (including some evenings/overnights).

Preferred

• Experience in crisis management.

• Background supporting community engagement or social impact initiatives for capital projects, M&A activities, or permitting processes.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop integrated, cross‑functional communications strategies alongside internal teams.

• Lead internal and external marketing initiatives that support clients’ social license to operate.

• Oversee day‑to‑day project delivery, including budgets, staffing, client communication, and deliverables.

• Serve as a trusted advisor, guiding clients and teams through the planning and execution of strategic communications and stakeholder engagement programs—ranging from landowner outreach to large‑scale public consultation.

• Monitor industry trends and drive digital innovation using ERM tools, technologies, and partnerships.

• Direct social risk and community assessment reporting to support capital planning, permitting, and due diligence.

• Build equitable, accessible communications plans informed by stakeholder demographics and community needs.

• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to develop ESG communications aligned with the “Social” component of ESG.

• Write, edit, and oversee a range of materials, including plans, fact sheets, newsletters, websites, brochures, letters, and more.

• Analyze stakeholder communications and issues, producing clear summaries, reports, and insights.

• Lead focus groups, community advisory groups, and other engagement forums to support client project planning.

• Plan and facilitate in‑person and virtual project meetings, workshops, and public‑facing events.

• Drive business development through proposal writing, industry outreach, relationship building, and client acquisition.

• Manage and coordinate subcontractors in support of project delivery.

For the Consulting Director, Strategic Communications and Stakeholder Engagement position, the anticipated annual base